Posted by Ace on August 28, 2001 at 13:58:40:
In Reply to: German F theories posted by Matt G on August 28, 2001 at 13:07:57:
I agree with 99% of what you say re F tubas. The player is often the problem.
I own an older Meinl Weston six valve F which is very similar to the current MW 46. The low C, B, and A# are a bear to center properly, and must be wrestled with. My horn was formerly owned and played by the tubist in a very prominent pro orchestra in Michigan. I wrote to him, and he remembered the tuba and the difficult notes on it. So, if he had trouble with these notes, I guess the horn can sometimes be a small part of the problem.
My horn is the only F tuba I've ever played. It would be fun to try out the new F's to see if some of the stuffy notes have been opened up.
By the way, my older MW F is for sale. $3100 plus shipping. Photos available if you request by e-mail.